At 100-Years-Old, the World’s Oldest Billionaire Still Goes to Work Every Day

At 100 years old, the world’s oldest billionaire would be forgiven for taking it easy and enjoying the riches of his eight-decade career.

But for Chang Yun Chung, founder of Pacific International Lines (PIL), staying at home isn’t an option. Despite handing over the role of executive chairman to his son, Teo Siong Seng, earlier this year, the centenarian Singaporean insists on going into the office every day.

As chairman emeritus of PIL — a title honoring his contribution to the 51-year-old company — Chang said he visits the firm’s Singapore headquarters daily to run through its operations and check in with every department.

“Every day, I write down all my activities in my diary, everything,” said Chang. “Every department comes to see me.”

For him, it’s a way of keeping his mind active and staying in touch with the company he set up in 1967 with two second-hand ships.

But routine is just part of it. Chang is also guiding Teo as he assumes greater responsibility for what is one of the world’s top 20 shipping companies and its 18,000 employees. Teo said he consults with his father twice a day — once in the morning and once after lunch — to gain his insights and learn more about his leadership style.